The changes come a week after Exposito was sworn in to lead the department of 1,100 police officers and 400 civilians.

Exposito, a 35-year veteran, took over the department from John Timoney, who retired last month after newly elected Mayor Tomás Regalado had pressed for new leadership. Frank Fernandez, the No. 2 in command behind Timoney, also is retiring.

On Tuesday, Miami police spokesman Delrish Moss declined to confirm those being demoted, saying the chief will announce his new staff at a later date.

Exposito, said Moss, was making the demotions to find "people that fit his management philosophy.''

"None of the decisions he's making are personal, but they're prudent business decisions that will help him take the department in the direction he wants it to go,'' Moss said.